The Papers of Clark Mallam

The Papers of Clark Mallam, 1960-1993 | Luther College Archives

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Collection Overview

Title: The Papers of Clark Mallam, 1960-1993

ID: LCA/RG15/Mallam, C

Primary Creator: Mallam, R. Clark (1940-1986)

Extent: 10.3 Linear Feet. More info below.

Arrangement:

The material is arranged into ten series:

1) Biographical files (1963-1985)

2) Correspondence Files (1968-1986)

3) Effigy Mounds Research Files (1960-1974)

4) Professional Development Files (1969-1985)

5) Professional Service Files (1969-1985)

6) Research Files and Field Notes (1970-1977)

7) Teaching Files (1970-1984)

8) Writings by (1968-1984)

9) Non-textual Materials (1973-1985)

10) Writings about (1980-1993)

Languages: English

Abstract

This collection consists of professional and personal files (1960-1993) from the office of Dr. R. Clark Mallam, professor of anthropology at Luther College.

Scope and Contents of the Materials

This collection consists of biographical files, such as news clippings and awards; correspondence; Effigy Mounds research files documenting field work, scholarship, and lobbying; professional development files, such as conference and seminar notes; professional service notes regarding various boards and professional organizations and committees; other research files not regarding Effigy Mounds; teaching files, including class lectures, examinations, and schedules; compositions by Dr. Mallam; various non-textual materials, such as photographic negatives, slides, and maps; and writings about Dr. Mallam. These materials range from 1960-1993.

Biographical Note

Received his PhD from the University of Kansas; taught at Luther College, 1969-1986; founder of the anthropology department at Luther; directed the archeological research center at Luther College; studied Native American mounds and culture in the Effigy Mounds area.

BIOGRAPHICAL SUMMARY

1940 Born, January 7 in Beatrice, Nebraska to Harold Mallam and Ruth Chapman Mallam.

1957 Received diploma from Wymore High School, Nebraska.

1959 Received Associate of Arts degree from Fairbury Junior College (Fairbury, Nebraska).

1959-1961 Served as a Field Infantry Medic for the U. S. Army, Alaskan Command.

1961 Married Judith Shore

1963 Received Bachelor of Science degree in History from University of Nebraska.

1963-1965 Taught history at Grand Island High School, Nebraska.

1964 Awarded the William Robertson Coe Fellowship in American Studies at University of Wyoming.

1966 Received Master of Arts degree in Anthropology from Adams State College, Colorado

1966 Taught history and chaired department at Pershing College in Beatrice, Nebraska.

1967 Taught Social Studies at University of Nebraska.

1969 Joined Faculty of Luther College, Decorah, Iowa as Director of Archeological Research Center and Assistant Professor.

1972 Awarded Fellowship from University of Kansas Institute in Humanistic Computation.

1972 Earned Faculty Growth Award fro the American Lutheran Church (and again in 1982).

1973 Received Master of Philosophy from University of Kansas

1973 Named Director of Effigy Mounds Survey, Allamakee County, Iowa.

1975 Received Doctor of Philosophy from University of Kansas

1975 Recieved doctorate in archaeology from the University of Kansas. Dissertation was "The Iowa Effigy Mound Manifestation: An Interpretive Model."

1978 Awarded University House Fellowship from University of Iowa.

1979-1983 Named Danforth Associate by the Danforth Foundation.

1982 Awarded Scholar in Residence by Kansas Committee for the Humanities.

1986 Died, June 2, at home of a brain tumor.

Administrative Information

Repository: Luther College Archives

Alternate Extent Statement: 10 boxes

Use Restrictions: Though we may hold the property rights, Luther College Archives does not hold the copyrights for all materials. Individuals may use materials for non-commercial, private use, but commercial users must secure permissions from the copyright holders and/or Luther College Archives to reproduce, publish, or quote protected materials and photographs. For more information about the Luther College copyright and fair use policy, please visit https://www.luther.edu/library/copyright

Preferred Citation: Cite unpublished materials: Clark Mallam Papers, RG15 Manuscripts, Luther College Archives, Decorah, Iowa

Finding Aid Revision History:

Original finding aid written by Sarah Romine and Shan Thomas, 1995-1996. Formatted for Archon July 2012.

6/15/24: Abby Bates updated copyright policy link.

11/22/19: EC updated the preferred citation.

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Series:

[Series 1: Biographical files, 1963-1985],
[Series 2: Correspondence Files, 1968-1986],
[Series 3: Effigy Mounds Research Files, 1960-1974],
[Series 4: Professional Development Files, 1969-1985],
[Series 5: Professional Service Files, 1969-1985],
[Series 6: Research Files and Field Notes, 1970-1977],
[Series 7: Teaching Files, 1970-1984],
[Series 8: Writings by, 1968-1984],
[Series 9: Non-textual Materials, 1973-1985],
[Series 10: Writings about, 1980-1993],
[All]

Series 1: Biographical files, 1963-1985

The first series of Biographical files span the years 1963-1985. It includes Mallam's college files, news clippings regarding his work, files on his awards and promotions, a vita file and letters to him during his final illness. There is no personal memorabilia or family history. Neither is there any personal correspondence between Dr. Mallam and family members or friends.

Box 1

Folder 1: Awards and Honors, 1977-1985
Folder 2: Evaluations and Promotions, 1963-1975
Folder 3: Grades and Transcripts, 1963-1972
Folder 4: Letters regarding His Illness, 1986
Folder 5: Newspaper Clippings regarding His Work, 1978-1984
Folder 6: Notebooks, undated
Folder 7: Notebooks, undated
Folder 8: Pershing College Files, 1966
Folder 9: University Papers and Records, 1968-1972
Folder 10: University Papers and Records, 1968-1972
Folder 11: University Papers and Records, 1968-1972
Folder 12: University Papers and Records, 1968-1972
Folder 13: University Papers and Records, 1968-1972
Folder 14: University Papers and Records, 1968-1972
Folder 15: University Papers and Records, 1968-1972
Folder 16: University Papers and Records, 1968-1972
Folder 17: Vita, 1969-1987
Folder 18: Memorial Article - Chips, 1998
Folder 19: Pikes Peak State Park Project, undated
Folder 20: My Father and Me by Jenny Mallam, 1990

Series 2: Correspondence Files, 1968-1986

The Correspondence files in Series II cover the years 1968-1986. The files are in the original chronological order. Dr. Mallam segregated three files of correspondence with specific individuals and one file of recommendations for students. Considering his extensive involvement in his contemporary world of anthropology and archaeology, the files, at 0.4 linear feet, could be deemed sparse. Dr. Mallam had the reputation for firing off letters about a variety of topics, but little evidence of that activity survives in this series.

Box 2

Folder 1: Correspondence Files, 1968-1986
Folder 2: Correspondence Files, 1968-1986
Folder 3: Correspondence Files, 1968-1986
Folder 4: Correspondence with A. Thomas Kraabel, 1983-1985
Folder 5: Correspondence with Iowa Historic Preservation Office, 1972-1975
Folder 6: Correspondence with George Metcalf, 1969-1983
Folder 7: Correspondence regarding Recommendations for Students, 1971-1981

Series 3: Effigy Mounds Research Files, 1960-1974

The Effigy Mounds Research files in Series III are perhaps the most significant part of this collection. Beginning in 1960 and ending in 1984, these files document the extensive field work, scholarship and lobbying done by Dr. Mallam to preserve these unique remnants of the Upper Mississippi River native Americans. Mound builders became his area of expertise. The files in this series show the growing awareness of the phenomena as well as his unique contributions to the field of archaeology. The Series is arranged in two subseries: Research Files of data collections and correspondence regarding this data; and Dissertation Files containing data, maps, charts, correspondence and the final manuscript.

Sub-Series 1: Effigy Mounds Research

Box 3

Folder 1: Computer Analysis, 1973-9174
Folder 2: Correspondence, 1976-1980
Folder 3: Correspondence with Duane Anderson, 1980
Folder 4: Correspondence with National Park Service, 1974
Folder 5: Correspondence with Clifford Richey, 1983-1984
Folder 6: Manuscript by George Horton, 1981
Folder 7: Field Notes, 1973, 1980-1981
Folder 8: Field Notes, 1973, 1980-1981
Folder 9: Field Notes, 1973, 1980-1981
Folder 10: General Mounds Files - Archaeoastronomy, 1973
Folder 11: General Mounds Files - Cahokia, undated
Folder 12: General Mounds Files - Eagle Vally Mounds, 1979
Folder 13: General Mounds Files - Illinois Mounds, 1984
Folder 14: General Mounds Files - Intrusive White Burials, 1979-1981
Folder 15: Field Notes, 1980
Folder 16: General Mounds Files - Nolker Mound, 1981
Folder 17: Field Notes, 1981
Folder 18: General Mounds Files - Minnesota, undated
Folder 19: General Mounds Files - Smithsonian, 1976
Folder 20: Field Notes, 1973
Folder 21: General Mound Files - Mississippi Rivier Mounds - Maps, undated
Folder 22: General Mound Files - Various, 1960, 1980
Folder 23: Mound Site Files - Adams, 1981-1982
Folder 24: Mound Site - Ferguson, 1975-1978
Folder 25: Mound Site Files - Sny Magill, 1980
Folder 26: Mound Site - Pike's Peak, 1978, 1983
Folder 27: National Monument Interpretive Program, 1978-1979
Folder 28: National Monument Management Plan, 1977
Folder 29: Press Clippings, 1974, 1983
Folder 30: Proposal - Iowa State Preserves Advisory Board, 1974
Folder 31: Proposal - Postdoctoral Fellowship - Smithsonian, 1975
Folder 32: Film Proposal, undated
Folder 33: Report - Effigy Survey, 1973
Folder 34: "Souls of Effigy Mounds" - John Tandarich, 1981
Folder 35: Report - The Fergus Tract Archaeological Project, 1984
Folder 36: Report - The Ferguson Tract Archaeological Project, 1984
Folder 37: Report - Cultural Resource Survey of the Ferguson Tract, 1976
Folder 38: Report - Elwick Land Tracts and Sny Magill, 1977
Folder 39: Sabbatical Research, 1982-1983
Folder 40: Survey, undated
Folder 41: Newspaper Articles, Undated

Sub-Series 2: Dissertation Files

Box 4

Folder 1: Unpublished University Papers, 1972
Folder 2: Charts & Figures File, undated
Folder 3: Correspondence, 1971-1975
Folder 4: Data File, 1974, 1974
Folder 5: Defense Of Dissertation Notes, 1975
Folder 6: Draft of Thesis, by hand, 1973
Folder 7: Draft of Thesis, 1973-1974
Folder 8: Draft of Thesis, 1973-1974

Box 5

Folder 1: Original Manuscript of Thesis, 1975
Folder 2: Original Manuscript of Thesis, 1975
Folder 3: Proposal for Dissertation, 1973
Folder 4: Written Comprehensive Examination, 1972
Folder 5: Correspondence, 1937-1973

Series 4: Professional Development Files, 1969-1985

Series IV contains Dr. Mallam's files pertaining to his Professional Development and cover the years 1969-1985. Although these make up one of the largest series, they are relatively narrow in scope. Conference notes from only six seminars exist among the series. Dr. Mallam attended many more professional seminars than this would indicate and was in demand as a participant as his reputation grew, but only these few files remain.

Box 6

Folder 1: Conference files- "Plains Anthropology", 1969, 1970, 1975
Folder 2: Conference files- "Iowa Archaeology Society", 1971
Folder 3: Seminar files- "Photographic Techniques", 1977
Folder 4: Study Fellowship documents- "University House", 1977-1978
Folder 5: Seminar files- "Native American Religions", 1982
Folder 6: Conference files- no title, 1985
Folder 7: Seminar files- "Myers Briggs Tests", 1985
Folder 8: Conference files- Central Plains Tradition Symposium, undated

Series 5: Professional Service Files, 1969-1985

Dr. Mallam's files of Professional Service, spanning 1969-1985, can be found in Series V. These files contain his correspondence and personal notes regarding various boards and professional organizations' committees on which he served. While he was sought after as a Board and committee member, his colleagues report that he had little patience for meetings and bureaucracy. The sparse representation of this series is not out of line with Dr. Mallam's conservative involvement. Two exception are notable. First, Dr. Mallam's long-standing membership of the Iowa Association of Archeologists is not in evidence nor is his mandatory service on various Luther College committees.

Box 7

Folder 1: Iowa Archaeology Society file, 1970-1977
Folder 2: Iowa Academy of Science file, 1974-1975
Folder 3: Association of Iowa Archaeologists file, 1974-1979
Folder 4: Conference - The Future of Iowa Archaeology, 1975
Folder 5: Conference - The Future of Iowa Archaeology, 1977
Folder 6: National Register of Hisorical Places Review Board, 1977
Folder 7: State Historical Board, 1977-1979
Folder 8: Survey of Cultural Resources, 1978
Folder 9: Luther College Collections Committee Files, undated
Folder 10: Luther College Collections Committee files, 1984
Folder 11: Luther College Collections Committee files, 1985
Folder 12: Iowa Academy of Science, 1975

Series 6: Research Files and Field Notes, 1970-1977

Series VI contains research files for projects other than the Effigy Mounds National Monument. There are three types of files in this series: field notes (6 folders); background reading in alphabetical order; and reports issued as a result of these investigations. The reports represent an extensive body of professional work. An inventory of the reports is in the first file folder.

Box 8: Field Notes, 1970-1977

Folder 1: Field Notes, 1970
Folder 2: Field Notes, 1971
Folder 3: Field Notes, 1975-1976
Folder 4: Field Notes, 1976
Folder 5: Field Notes, 1977
Folder 6: Miscellaneous Notes, undated
Folder 7: Quandahl Rock Shelter Notes, 1960, 1970

Box 9: Background Readings, 1972-1985

Arrangement: alphabetical

Folder 1: A-C
Folder 2: D-G
Folder 3: H-J
Folder 4: L-O
Folder 5: P-Z
Folder 6: Ethnic Awareness Among Norwegian Luthern Pastors and Parishioners in North Dakota: Lindberg, Duane, 1977

Box 10: Research Sites, Proposals and Reports, 1972-1982

Folder 1: Index to Site Numbers, 1974
Folder 2: Aulwes Site, 1982
Folder 3: Dry Run Flood Control, 1975
Folder 4: Elwick Mounds, 1976-1977
Folder 5: Frog Hollow Sites, 1976
Folder 6: Garnavillo Mounds, 1976
Folder 7: Garnavillo Township - Walter Mounds, 1978
Folder 8: Proposal - Graduate Study Grant, 1982
Folder 9: John Henry Mounds, 1977
Folder 10: Humanistic Computation - University of Kansas Summer Course, 1972
Folder 11: INTAP -Project I, 1979
Folder 12: INTAP - Prairie Potholes, 1980
Folder 13: INTAP I & II - Field Notes, 1979-1980
Folder 14: INTAP Grant, 1979, 1981
Folder 15: INTAP - Historical Society Responses, 1979
Folder 16: INTAP - Letters from Steve Lensink, 1978-1979
Folder 17: INTAP - E.B. Stillman Site, 1980
Folder 18: INTAP - Stillman Site Report, 1981
Folder 19: INTAP Site Plans, 1980
Folder 20: INTAP Site List, undated
Folder 21: Aerial Photos of Effigy Park, Undated

Box 11: Research Sites, Proposals and Reports, 1961-1985

Folder 1: Keller and Bluff Top Mounds, 1977
Folder 2: Malanaphy Bridge Project, 1983-1985
Folder 3: Manning Projectile Point, 1978
Folder 4: McKinney Site, undated
Folder 5: Middle MIssouri Prairie Peninsula, 1970
Folder 6: Mid-Eastern Poject, 1970
Folder 7: News Clippings, 1941-1985
Folder 8: Mission Creek Effigy Pendant, undated
Folder 9: Mitchell County Iowa - Resource Management, undated
Folder 10: National Endowment for Humanities Grant Proposal, 1975
Folder 11: National Geographic Proposal, 1985
Folder 12: Nebraska Culture, undated
Folder 13: Nine Foot Navigational Channel in the Mississippi, 1974-1975
Folder 14: North American Indians at Schwegler Elementary School, undated
Folder 15: Niehaus Mound Group, 1968-1969
Folder 16: Oklahoma Archaeology, 1961, 1969
Folder 17: The Orr Volumes - Historic Preservation Funds, 1981
Folder 18: Pools 9 and 10 - Army Corps of Engineers, 1975
Folder 19: Site of the Serpent, 1982
Folder 20: Turkey River Mounds, 1984

Box 12: Reasearch Sites, Proposals and Reports, 1975-1981

Folder 1: Volga River Report, 1977
Folder 2: Volga River, 1977
Folder 3: Walter Mound Group - Garnaville Township, 1978
Folder 4: Wisconsin Mounds, 1977-1981
Folder 5: Faculty Research Funds Proposal, 1975

Series 7: Teaching Files, 1970-1984

The largest series in the collection, Series VII, contains Dr. Mallam's teaching files from 1970 through 1984. He was a renowned lecturer and prepared rigorously for his classes. This level of conscientiousness is clear among the extensive files in this series. The main portion of the series are 104 folders of detailed lecture notes arranged alphabetically by title of lecture. In addition to these there are general files including test questions, film schedules, examples of reserved readings, class rosters and student papers. The general files are useful in giving the researcher an idea of Dr. Mallam's relationship with his students.

Box 13: A - Med: Arrangement: alphabetical by title of lecture
Box 14: Met - W: Arrangement: alphabetical by title of lecture
Box 15: General Teaching Files, 1970-1984
Box 16: General Teaching Files, undated

Series 8: Writings by, 1968-1984

Series VIII contains the writings of R. Clark Mallam and spans the years 1968-1985. According to his vita, the 39 articles or monographs constitute a nearly complete collection of his professional writings. The manuscripts represent published and unpublished works. The works are arranged alphabetically and a list of titles is available in the first folder. In addition to his professional writing is the draft of Indian Creek Memoirs, a memoir he was writing when he died. The book was published posthumously.

Box 17: A-F, 1968-1984: Arrangement: alphabetical by title
Box 18: G-I, 1968-1984: Arrangement: alphabetical by title
Box 19: M-W, 1968-1984: Arrangement: alphabetical by title

Series 9: Non-textual Materials, 1973-1985

Non-textual materials were found scattered throughout his collection and where brought together in Series IX. This series includes 35 mm negatives (347 items), a photographic contact sheet (one item), a large number of black and white photographic prints (334 items), 2"x2" slides (51 items), unidentified maps and sketches of sites. All are documenting the various excavations in which Dr. Mallam participated. The researcher is referred to the Luther College Anthropology department for additional illustrations of his study of Native Americans.

Box 20: Photographs, 1973-1985

Folder 1: Adam Mill Hollow - Effigy, undated
Folder 2: Aulwes Site, undated
Folder 3: Aulwes Site, 1985
Folder 4: Casey Springs Rock Shelter, undated
Folder 5: E.B. Stillman Site, 1981
Folder 6: Effigy Mounds, undated
Folder 7: Effigy Mounds Aerial, 1977
Folder 8: Ellison Orr's Manuscripts - Excavated Mound Sites, undated
Folder 9: David Hovde, 1975
Folder 10: Iowa Northern Tier Archaeological Project, 1982
Folder 11: J.O. Crosby - Vegetational Map of Clayton County, undated
Folder 12: Kansas Serpent Intaglio, undated
Folder 13: Ohio Mounds - Slides, 1982
Folder 14: Pikes Peak, undated
Folder 15: Sny Magill, 1980
Folder 16: Sny Magill Mounds, undated
Folder 17: Photographs, 1985
Folder 18: Photographs and Negatives, 1981
Folder 19: Photographs and Negatives, 1980
Folder 20: Photographs, 1973
Folder 21: Photographs and Negatives, undated
Folder 22: Pikes Peak Mound Group - Negatives, 1978
Folder 23: Photographs and Negatives, undated
Folder 24: Photographs and Negatives, undated
Folder 25: Photographs and Negatives, undated
Folder 26: Photographs and Negatives, undated
Folder 27: Photographs and Negatives, undated
Folder 28: Extra Mallam Aerials and Mallam Business Cards, Undated

Box 21: Audiovisual Materials

Folder 1: "Quiviran Images of a Rainfall World", undated: Physical Description: Video Tape
Folder 2: "Rhythms of the Headwaters, 1983: Physical Description: Audio Tape

Box 22: Photographs, Journals, and National Register Application

Folder 1: Effigy Mounds National Register Materials, 1976
Folder 2: Cultural Resource Management, undated
Folder 3: Journal, 1978
Folder 4: Effigy Mounds Materials, undated
Folder 5: Effigy Mounds - Negatives and Contact Prints, undated
Folder 6: Effigy Mounds - Photographs, undated

Box 23: Maps and sketches of sites and mounds, undated

Physical Description: Oversized box

Folder 1: Pikes Peak, 1978
Folder 2: Cataloging of Mounds in Dubuque County, 1885-1973
Folder 3: Mound Sketches, 1973

Folder 1: Allamakee County Mounds, 1885-1973

Folder 2: Pike's Peak Cultural Resource Survey, 1978

Folder 3: Student Survey Map of Mounds, 1973-1974

Folder 4: Clayton County Mounds, 1885-1973

Series 10: Writings about, 1980-1993

Box 24

Folder 1: Articles and Obituaries, 1986
Folder 2: News Clippings and Photographs, 1980-1993
Folder 3: Archival Information About R. Clark Mallam, 1996
Folder 4: Various Papers About R. Clark Mallam, Undated
Folder 5: Clark Mallam: Humor in the Trenches While Doing Battle with the Forces of Ignorance by Todd Guenther, Undated
Folder 6: Clark Mallam-A Celebration, Undated
Folder 7: Tribute to Clark Mallam by Harv Klevar, 1988-1991
Folder 8: The Hermeneutics of a Northeastern Iowa Cave, Undated